What type of questions are generally less effective in psychiatric interviews?

Yes/No questions are generally less effective in psychiatric interviews because they limit the depth and breadth of the response from the patient. These types of questions encourage short, often simplistic answers that do not provide the interviewer with the nuanced information necessary to understand the patient's thoughts, feelings, and experiences in detail.

In a psychiatric setting, the primary goal is to facilitate open communication and encourage patients to express themselves fully. Open-ended questions, for example, allow for a wider range of responses and can lead to more insightful conversations about the patient's emotional state, history, and concerns. Reflective questions help to confirm understanding and encourage deeper exploration of feelings, while clarifying questions assist in ensuring accurate comprehension of patient statements. This dynamic of interaction is essential in psychiatric care for effective assessment and intervention.